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From everyday neutrals to vibrant pops of color.

Three people with different skin tones wearing different eyeshadow palettes

Byrdie

You might not wear it daily, but it provides a confidence boost when you need it.

A good eyeshadow palette is a makeup essential, says makeup artistLisa Aharon.

It offers the flexibility and convenience needed to create a variety of looks effortlessly.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Amazon

We researched the most popular and highly rated eyeshadow palettes.

From splurge-worthy picks to budget-friendly options, were sharing the best eyeshadow palettes out there.

The shades also vary in depth, making it a great option for tons of different complexions.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette.

Our testers adored this palette’s shade range and the shadows' powdered sugar texture.

Naosha, tester with a deep skin tone:The palette was extremely pigmented and blendable.

Gabriela, tester with a light skin tone:There was a seamless transition between colors.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

The shades complement each other well and would suit a variety of skin tones and occasions.

While the shades werent the most pigmented on the first swipe, they were buildable with some effort.

We recommend using your go-toeyeshadow primerrather than the one included in the palette for best results.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

Naosha, tester with a deep skin tone:This shade range is wonderful for cool tones.

They both appreciated how richly pigmented the powders were and how smoothly the creams applied.

Gabriela, tester with a light skin tone:The shade range is nice for a warm-toned bronzy look.

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals

PHOTO: Sephora

The powder shadows blended very well together, as did the creams.

The shadows transitioned seamlessly to create a cohesive look and blend between shades.

The shimmer shades added dimension, and the mattes were excellent for blending the edges.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after using Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

Naosha, tester with a deep skin tone:These shadows blend with ease.

Its very easy to create a clean transition with various colors on the eyes.

I also loved the shimmer shades because they added a nice dimension to the looks.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after using Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette

The top row leans a bit warm in tone, while the bottom row is more neutral/cool.

This makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of skin tones.

Our testers appreciated how beautifully the powder shadows layered over the creamsthey blended seamlessly.

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Naosha, tester with a deep skin tone:The shade range is beautiful.

It has everything needed for a basic, everyday look.

The pigment was amazing and really soft, which allowed for easy transitions.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after Dior BACKSTAGE Eyeshadow Palette - Smoky Essentials

Aside from revering the undeniable quality, our testers loved how the shades blended seamlessly across their eyelids.

However, they are prone to fallout, so we recommend patting off excess product before applying them.

The palette is perfect for creating dramatic or eye-catching moments.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after Dior BACKSTAGE Eyeshadow Palette - Smoky Essentials

Those who love to get creative with their makeup looks will love this luxury pick.

Naosha, tester with a deep skin tone:The shimmers appeared true to color and transitioned very well.

The quality was absolutely phenomenal.

PATRICK TA Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Sephora

Gabriela, tester with a light skin tone:Pat McGrathshimmers are always a must-try.

The shades complement each other well to create a buildable look.

Inspired by the brands best-selling Bronze Palette, it offers five warm-toned shades in matte and metallic finishes.

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

Our testers loved virtually everything about this option.

They commented on how creamy and blendable the shadows are and how seamlessly the colors complement each other.

Both agreed that the warm and coppery colors would look great on virtually all skin tones.

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

Gabriela, tester with a light skin tone:The shade range is gorgeous.

I think the shades would look great on any skin tone as the colors truly pack a punch.

The perfect palette for you depends on what colors and finishes you gravitate towardsits completely personal.

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Sephora

Those with a variety of matte and shimmery neutrals are always a safe bet.

Knowing how to layer and blend eyeshadows can take some practice, but Aharon has some pointers.

When youre ready to create your look, Aharon suggests a strategic approach to finishes.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after Natasha Denona I Need A Nude Eyeshadow Palette

For every day, I like satin or matte finishes as they provide a softer effect, she adds.

Scibelli advises wiping down the edges with a makeup wipe.

Why Trust Byrdie

Esme Benjaminis a beauty and wellness writer/editor based in New York.

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after Natasha Denona I Need A Nude Eyeshadow Palette

She has been writing stories on a wide array of beauty topics since 2023.

She has tested dozens of eyeshadow palettes over the yearsincluding several on this list.

Alyssa has been at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Sephora Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Sephora

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Sephora

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after using Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after using Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Sephora

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Site Loop: Person’s eye before and after using Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette

Natasha Denona Mini Bronze Eyeshadow Palette

PHOTO: Sephora

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after using Natasha Denona Mini Bronze Eyeshadow Palette

Site Loop: Person’s eyes before and after using Natasha Denona Mini Bronze Eyeshadow Palette

A person applying eyeshadow using the Dior Backstage Eyeshadow Palette Smoky Essentials

Byrdie / Gabriela Ulloa